National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony

Georgia’s National Christmas Tree was lit up by the Mayor of Tbilisi David Narmania and Georgian Santa - Tovlis Papa (Snow Grandfather – in word by word translation) at 7 p.m. today in front of the Old Building of Parliament in Tbilisi on the capital’s main Rustaveli Avenue.

Tbilisi Mayor and Tovlis Papa at the ceremony. Photo by Tbilisi City Hall Press office. 

This event starts the Christmas celebration season in the city. The dozens of entertaining events are planned in Tbilisi until January 7. 

The giant Snowman at the Rike Christmas Village became the symbol of the Celebration 2015. Photo by N.Alavidze/ Agenda.ge

Two Christmas villages were open today. One in the Rike Park, where giant Snowman is in the centre of attention and the other in front of the old building of Parliament on the Rustaveli avenue.

Photo by N.Alavidze/Agenda.ge 

Tovlis Papa came to the lightening ceremony by sledge together with Santa. After wishing to all the best for the New 2015 Year he moved to the Mtatsminda Park, where Georgian children can meet him daily during the next two weeks.

Bicycle Marathon of Santa Clauses began at the Rike Park today. During next two weeks they will move around the city and will share citizens the New Year Eve mood and give out sweets and presents to the children.

"Every day is full of events and we did all the best to make every day of celebration season all over the city remarkable for the children,” said The Mayor of Tbilisi David Narmania.

The lighting ceremony was followed by fireworks. Photo by N.Alavidze/Agenda.ge 

Meanwhile Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili spent part of this evening together with his family at the Rike Christmas Village and also visited the Christmas Tree Festival on the Erekle II street. 

Prime Minister with wife and children. Photo by PM's press office. 

Georgian business companies present their Christmas trees. Visitors and guests will reveal the winner on January 7.